Our brightly-lit future: Exploring the potential for astrotourism in Khajuraho (India)

Khetrapal, Neha and Bhatia, Divya (2022) Our brightly-lit future: Exploring the potential for astrotourism in Khajuraho (India). The Canadian Geographer, 66 (3). pp. 621-627. ISSN 1541-0064

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Abstract

The night skies have traditionally offered a means of navigation, symbolized the gods, and inspired architecture and creative planning. With the advent of urbanization and the consequent increase in artificial light at night (ALAN), humans have severed their connection with the skies. Some suggest that “astrotourism” may serve as a viable means of re-establishing this relationship. While astrotourism is usually used for referring to activities that revolve around stargazing with “aided” or “naked” eyes, we highlight that there is scope to include exploration of historic monument ensembles and night-time storytelling as a part of astrotourism. Focusing on Khajuraho, we further underscore that ALAN should be replaced with intelligent night lighting strategies to maximize the night-time travel experience for those who take inspiration from the dark skies to reconstruct the historical significance of heritage. As we gradually revitalize our relations with the nocturnal environment, it is hoped that the night skies will infuse our social practices, creative imagination, and historical appreciation with a new vigour.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Khajuraho | Artificial light at night | ALAN | Astrotourism
Subjects: Physical, Life and Health Sciences > Earth and Planetary Sciences
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Geography
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Planning and Development
JGU School/Centre: Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences
Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling
Depositing User: Shilpi Rana
Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2022 11:06
Last Modified: 22 Feb 2023 06:11
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/cag.12742
Additional Information: The authors wish to acknowledge Ms. Shikha Vaish (a co‐ traveller to Khajuraho) for the picture, “Panoramic View of the Khajuraho Temples in India” that was used for the Table of Contents graphic. This image was reproduced with permission.
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/968

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